AP Bio Insta-Review Topic 4.3: Signal Transduction

Front

What is apoptosis?

Back

Programmed cell death.

Front

What binds to turn on or off gene expression?

Back

Transcription factor.

Front

What is signal transduction?

Back

The process by which a cell responds to external signals through a series of molecular events.

Front

What role do receptors play in signal transduction?

Back

Receptors bind to signaling molecules (ligands) and initiate a cellular response.

Front

What is a ligand?

Back

A molecule that binds to a receptor to initiate a signal transduction pathway.

Front

What is the function of a second messenger in signal transduction?

Back

Second messengers amplify the signal and help relay it within the cell.

Front

What is the difference between endocrine and paracrine signaling?

Back

Endocrine signaling involves hormones traveling through the bloodstream, while paracrine signaling involves local signaling between nearby cells.

Front

What is the role of G-proteins in signal transduction?

Back

G-proteins act as molecular switches that relay signals from receptors to target proteins.

Front

What is the significance of phosphorylation in signal transduction?

Back

Phosphorylation modifies proteins, often activating or deactivating them, which alters cellular responses.

Front

What is a feedback loop in biological systems?

Back

A feedback loop is a process where the output of a system regulates its own activity, maintaining homeostasis.